37 replies to this topic

[dizzer]

Sure, there are plenty of studies on exercise in general (quality is lacking in plenty, also). Exercise is a hormetic activity...so does hanging upside down cause a type of stress? I don't know, I see no reason to argue for or against it. For use in recovery it's pretty much a no-brainer if you enjoy it...since basically any activity that you find relaxing or enjoyable will help with recovery.

Per the Mayo Clinic, there is no scientific evidence that inversion therapy has any significant value in providing long-term pain relief. Studies of traction therapy such as inversion have found *NO* significant long-term benefits. Besides that, persons with high blood pressure and certain diseases place themselves at risk by performing inversion therapy. And the results of accidentally taking a nose dive while struggling to extricate oneself from this position wouldn't be pretty.

http://www.mayoclini...therapy/AN01614

I did a lot of research on these things when I was looking to buy one. I found a lot of info out there on traction, etc. not being that effective, but I read something that made sense to me. Apparently some of the information out there that disputes the effectiveness of traction is based on evidence from standard mechanical traction devices that use pullies and harnesses to distract the joints. Inversion is a natural way to decompress that uses a persons own body weight... and it's progressive - which means that each part of the back receives a traction load equal to the load that compresses is while upright. With standard traction devises, the loads must be determined by the adminstrator, and they are not progressive... plus it's difficult for the person to fully relax.

I've had my own machine for several years now and have found that nothing else can compare to the type of stretch you get when inverted. I sit at a computer all day and it's actually pretty amazing how I can just get on this thing and stretch out the strain of the day. I only need to do it for about 5 minutes. Sometimes I forget to do it more regularly, and I start to notice that tension creeping back. It has honestly been a lifesaver because I can just get on it when I need it.

I'm not sure that there are a lot of full studies on inversion in the sense that they are double-blind (how can you do that?) but the Teeter site does list a few articles and studies that sure suggest there's something to it, even if the results are temporary (what isn't??)

ANything is risky if you don't use the equipment right (i would sure hate to fall upside down) but my equipment is pretty rock steady - i'm not going anywhere. it's actually pretty easy to use - no struggles involved!

Re: the person who mentioned hanging my your hands. I used to try that and got a little relief in the lower back. The problem with that is you don't get the full stretch - only to the lower back. The upper back, shoulder and neck area don't have any chance to decompress. Plus, who can hang by your hands for the amount of time necessary? I find that I need to hang at least 5 minutes for my back muscles to relax enough and *release*. The inversion table is the best thing you can buy for your back, hands down.

[1kgcoffee]

This is very interesting stuff, akin to Nauli in yoga which is said to have tremendous health benefits. I'm considering getting one for myself.

That said, your first ever post on imminst seems very suspicious, dizzer. I looked at the reviews for teeters on amazon, and most of the reviewers had only reviewed that one item, which is often a sign of shills. Glowing reviews of just a single item = very suspicious. Why did you register just to post that, are you a shill? Somebody is making a lot of money off these devices.

Edited by 1kgcoffee, 26 June 2009 - 12:34 AM.

[Well Being All]

I would totally recommend inversion therapy. I suffered years with lower back pain, shooting through hip into the groin ending in the legs. I have been doing inversion daily since last four months and pain levels have come down from say 10 to around 3-4 levels (told my doctor about this, his curt reply - Placebo)

Few things that help me

1. Start slow and then move towards stage of complete inversion (this is where all the benefits are).

2. Donot expect results in days for pains which you suffer for years. Have patience.

3. Make a routine. I do it 20 minutes in the early morning and 20 minutes in the evening. Do it empty stomach.

3.Limber up before going to inversion table , do stretches....if pain is too much do mildly ....I do few yoga poses before going on the table.

4.Last and foremost Relax Relax Relax .....do meditation if possible hanging up side down. (initially I feared I will clog up my brain with blood rushing to the head and blood vessels in my head will explode, over period of time with proper deep breathing technique you feel no stress in you head.....no gushing blood, no throbbing)

I am pretty damn happy with the inversion therapy.....hopefully it will help others.

Peace and Well Being to all.

Edited by Well Being All, 13 August 2009 - 06:55 PM.

[teeter hang ups]

Inversion tables def work. I have been using them for over 2 years and there are lots of mixed reviews and studies. Some say there is not enough research to support them. But the best support is from users who had positive experiences using them. I got mine from My link

[icyT]

About 25 years ago I tried an inversion device, and although I didn't feel bad, my friends who were watching me got really alarmed and insisted I stop immediately. Apparently my whole head had turned a deep red color that was pretty scary looking. Some kind of Lucifer thing? It did seem kind of worrisome. I've not tried that since, although I do all kinds of wacky physical stuff without any problems. Even inclined sit-ups with the board as high as it goes.

The red face is common especially in beginners, because gravity is pulling blood into the face and the body is not used to pumping blood out of the face that quickly since that demand has not been imposed.

Over time the body gets better at removing that excess blood from the area. This is why people are supposed to invert gradually, both through progressive decline and progressive time periods.

It looks scary and that's why you stop if you feel bad or faint or something, and return to it later once you're back to normal. Over time the body adjusts to it.

Doing the sit-ups is another helpful fix because when you are at the top of the sit-up, only your legs are inverted, not your head/neck/torso, so the blood can drain.

This is also the point of oscillating.

[Justchill]

I have this one:

http://www.bodysolid...tem.cfm?id=1260

I used to do it for upper back pain, but now I don't have any room in the appartment we live in. I plan to continue the inversion table later on.

[cherrysilver]

I try to use my inversion table (by HangUps) every morning and night for at least 10 mins. It's really helped with my lower back disk compression and scoliosis. Twisting from side to side really relieves the tightness, too. I have to admit, I like the idea of meditating upside down with tonal music but don't know I could last much longer upside down. One of the best things about it is that it *really* has helped with my complexion with the increased blow flow, and it's not just me that notices it. Being a (somewhat vain) middle-aged old lady, things like this are very important to me...

[icyT]

25 years ago I tried an inversion device, and although I didn't feel bad, my friends who were watching me got really alarmed and insisted I stop immediately. Apparently my whole head had turned a deep red color that was pretty scary looking. Some kind of Lucifer thing? It did seem kind of worrisome. I've not tried that since, although I do all kinds of wacky physical stuff without any problems. Even inclined sit-ups with the board as high as it goes.

The blood thing is common, you get used to it over time. That's why it's better to start with partial inversion for low periods of time. As you get accustomed to it (put a mirror next to the table to watch your face if you're worried) you can invert to a greater degree or for longer periods.

A 60 degree inversion has been shown to give the decompression benefits, nobody's forcing anyone to do it all the way.